Plastic Bags

For all your plastic bags needs

Plastic Bags

What are plastic bags (or Polybags)?

The term plastic bags is normally used interchangeably with terms like Polybags or
Polythene bags but should perhaps more correctly be called Polyethylene bags. Plastic
bags has a connotation of a slightly thicker polythene bag that has a more substantial feel
and rigidity.

A plastic bag or plastic pouch is a type of flexible packaging made plastic film.
Plastic bags are used for containing and transporting food, powder, ice, chemicals,
waste, etc. Bags can be preformed, filled and sealed later or can be formed at the
filling and sealing operation. A pouch is usually a small or moderate sized bag.

Plastic bag thickness

Whether you have never ordered plastic bags or you are a specialist, it
is always good know more about how the plastic bag industry measures
the thickness of polybags.

In the UK, the gauge (i.e the thickness) of a plastic bag is measured in 'mils'.

So what is a mil?

A mil is a unit of measurement that is equal to 0.001 if an inch.
e.g. 1 mil = 0.001 inch or 0.0254 mm

Conversion Table

Mils

Inches

Best For

½ mil

.0005'

Short-term use for lightweight products. A grocery store bag is ½ mil. A dry cleaning bag is ¾ mil.

¾ mil

.00075'

1 mil

.001'

Storing, displaying, and shipping everyday items such as food or clothes. A bread bag is 1.5 mils thick. A trade show bag or retail boutique bag is usually 2 mils.

Common terms in plastic Bag Manufacturing

These are terms that we believe will help you when ordering your plastic bags.

Gusseted bag

Some bags have a gusset at the sides to help the bag open out more and enable a greater
volume of items to be put in and others have a gusset at the bottom to enable a wide
product to fit in.

Side weld bag

Side weld bags are made with extra strong side seals on the. The full side weld is used
with a "skirt" of up to 5mm which extends beyond the seal on each side of the bag.

Side weld bags are very useful in the mailing industry where added strength is required.
Lip and tapes can be added along with various forms of perforations and handle punches.

Bottom weld bag

Just as side weld bags, bottom weld bags offers added strength for packing heavier items
and are generally mado from layflat tubing (LFT).

Antistatic bag

An antistatic bag is a bag used for shipping electronic components, which are prone to
damage caused by electrostatic discharge and are usually pink in colour.

Bespoke manufacturing

A good manufacturer will also offer custom made plastic bags. You may order a different
or unusual size, choose from other available colours and / or have your logo printed on
any type of polybag.

Bags are indispensable part of promotional items these days. Many companies, depending
upon their marketing strategies, product characteristics, and target interest groups,
prefer to gift promotional printed carrier bags to its clients. These are very usable
and increase brand visibility.

Plastic shopping bags

Plastic shopping bags, or carrier bags, are mostly used by shopping centres and super
markets. Intended to be used a carry bag these bags are often reused as a bin liners.
For more demanding cases like bagging potatoes, onions etc. heavy duty plastic shopping
bags are available as plastic sacks.

Clear plastic bags

Clear plastic bags are lightweight and deal for posting brochures and magazines offering
extra protection, also good for packing craft items, magazines, ideal for storing of
items, these can also be used for food.

Clear plastic carrier bags

Strong clear plastic carrier bags are made from a varigauge film which is thicker around
the handles to give extra strength these poly bags are 100% see-through meaning customers
can see what is inside clearly. This type of carriers can comfortably hold up to 5kg.

Heavy duty plastic bags

Heavy duty plastic bags are suitable for multi-uses including food, use small plastic
bags to packing food and large plastic bags to protect your items or pack heavy items.
Lightweight and durable these heavy duty poly bags are manufactured in the UK and are
available in various sizes and shapes.

Plastic Bags Manufacturers

Plastic Bags
Visit Plastic Bags for a huge range of polythene bags and plastic packaging and buy at discounted prices from selected suppliers and manufacturers with fast and free UK delivery.
www.plasticbags.org.uk

Bags
Online shop for plastic bags and polythene carriers. Buy from a big range of packaging products all at manufacturers prices and save money.
www.bags.uk.com

Bag Suppliers
Dedicated plastic bag suppliers with lots of types, colours and sizes available to suit all your needs.
www.bagsuppliers.co.uk

Polythene Bags
Polythene Bags specialises in poly bags and plastic carrier bags. With information on types of polythene packaging available and where to purchase good quality poly products.
www.polythenebags.eu

Research & Resources

For more detailed information about polythene packaging, read articles or browse the
directories we've selected for you.

Goldstork
Interesting best of the web directory. On Goldstork you will find selected information
and links to great websites specialised in plastic packaging.
www.goldstork.com

Eco Friendly Alternatives

Protection of the environment is an important issue and although it often
experiences a bad press due to ignorance. Packaging made out of plastic and
polythene are environmentally-friendly and actually offers one of the most efficient
forms of packaging with the advantage of being recyclable.

Biodegradable plastic bags

Biodegradable plastic bags are made from an eco friendly material known as
biodegradable plastic. These "plastic" bags are derived from annually renewable
resources, such as corn, and do not contain any polyethylene.

Discount Biodegradable Bags
All your questions about biodegradable bags and degradable plastics answered - why we
should use them, how they work, which ones are really eco-friendly, plus the best discount
prices and deals on biodegradable bags and other environmentally friendly packaging.
www.discountbiodegradablebags.co.uk